Ranking next summer's top 25 NBA free agents
Here, we take a look at the 25 best players who could be available on the open market next summer, including restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, player options, and team options.
We omitted players on rookie contracts with team options for 2026-27 - Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Amen and Ausar Thompson, etc. - since clubs seldom opt against exercising those options.
Statistics listed are from the 2024-25 season.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 52.7 | 43 | 83.9 | 6 | 4.2 | 26.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $54.7M
The Rockets letting Durant walk after one season would be a stunning development, considering the price they paid to pry the future Hall of Famer from the Suns. That said, anything is possible in the NBA, and Durant has yet to sign the two-year, $120-million extension he's eligible for.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 51.3 | 37.6 | 78.2 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 24.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $52.6M
James has yet to confirm if he'll return for a record-extending 24th NBA season, but which contender wouldn't be interested in adding the four-time Finals MVP if he hit the open market? The 40-year-old is still performing at an All-NBA level and finished sixth in MVP voting last campaign.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 41.1 | 34 | 87.5 | 3.1 | 11.6 | 24.2 |
2025-26 earnings: $46M
Teams will closely monitor Young's contract situation with the Hawks ahead of next summer. He could decline his player option and explore free agency, and that looming threat might prompt Atlanta to explore a trade involving the four-time All-Star. Still, there are several reasons why Young should re-up with the Hawks, especially after a constructive offseason highlighted by several key additions to the squad.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 41 | 35.2 | 87.4 | 5.8 | 8.7 | 22.8 |
2025-26 earnings: $39.2M
Harden returned to the Clippers this offseason on a two-year deal that includes another player option for next summer. However, it's hard to imagine another team that would have the financial flexibility to match his $42.3-million option for 2026-27 while offering the 35-year-old a realistic shot at capturing his first title.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 51.1 | 44.6 | 82.5 | 4.3 | 3.2 | 23.3 |
2025-26 earnings: $47.5M
LaVine enjoyed a resurgent campaign in 2024-25, shooting career bests from deep (44.6%) and the field overall (51.1%) across 74 appearances between the Bulls and Kings. Chicago had miscast LaVine as its No. 1 option, but his improved efficiency and effectiveness off the ball should appeal to squads in need of a secondary scorer.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 49.3 | 34 | 59.3 | 5.9 | 4.4 | 14.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $7.7M
Daniels' move to the Hawks was a resounding success for the Australian guard, whose propensity for steals earned him the incredible "Great Barrier Thief" nickname. That skill set will likely force Atlanta to pay up to retain Daniels. Despite the 22-year-old's limitations, teams will almost certainly try to pry him away in restricted free agency.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 43.5 | 41.2 | 71.7 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 10.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $18.2M
After shelling out more than $785 million on offseason extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are forecasted to enter the 2026-27 campaign roughly $45 million over the tax threshold for an estimated $184-million tax bill. The financial strain could make exercising Dort's $18.2-million team option a tough task for a small-market organization unless concessions are made elsewhere.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 48.4 | 41.8 | 80.4 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 21.8 |
2025-26 earnings: $20.5M
Powell thrived in a reserve role for the Clippers, finishing fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting twice. Injuries to key players last season paved the way for a starting gig, and Powell capitalized on the newfound opportunity, averaging a career-high 21.8 points on 48.4% shooting.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 42.4 | 32.5 | 68.7 | 6.1 | 5.6 | 9 |
2025-26 earnings: $25.9M
Former Defensive Player of the Year Green has a $27.7-million player option for the 2026-27 campaign, which will be his age-36 season and 15th with the Warriors. Long-time running mate Steph Curry will make $62.6 million in the final year of his current deal in 2026-27, and it's difficult to envision a scenario where the two don't play their remaining years together.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 48.3 | 41.2 | 80.9 | 6.8 | 2.1 | 19.5 |
2025-26 earnings: $30.7M
One of the Celtics' cost-cutting casualties, Porzingis has the opportunity with an upstart Hawks squad to rebuild his market value ahead of possibly testing free agency next summer. Still only 30, he could play a pivotal long-term role in Atlanta's core. However, the club will hope Porzingis is on the mend from the mysterious illness that limited him in the playoffs with Boston.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 69.2 | N/A | 66.9 | 10.3 | 2.7 | 11.8 |
2025-26 earnings: $6.5M
Duren made the NBA's All-Rookie second team in 2023 and played a key role last season in helping the Pistons snap their playoff drought. The 6-foot-10 center registered the Association's second-best field-goal percentage (69.2%) in 2024-25 and has recorded two straight top-10 finishes in rebounds.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 46 | 37.7 | 87.7 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 20.2 |
2025-26 earnings: $13.9M
Reaves has a $14.9-million player option for 2026-27, though the 27-year-old is likely to command much more on the open market after establishing himself as a reliable third option for the Lakers. Reaves could seek a deal in the neighborhood of four years and $160 million, and there will be plenty of suitors interested, including the nouveau riche Lakers.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 53 | 40.2 | 80.5 | 10.1 | 3.5 | 18.5 |
2025-26 earnings: $21.5M
The best-case scenario for the Bulls is for Vucevic to prove last season's hot shooting was no fluke, allowing Chicago to potentially tempt a contender in need of a stretch big ahead of the trade deadline. However, asset mismanagement has been a recent theme for the Bulls, who might prefer to keep the veteran around until his contract expires.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58.1 | o | 67.5 | 10.7 | 3.8 | 11.2 |
2025-26 earnings: $28.5M
Hartenstein did all the dirty work for the reigning NBA champs. His screen-setting, elite passing ability at the five, and shot contests at the rim were essential to the Thunder's title run. Hartenstein tallied 3.8 dimes per contest last campaign, and his 17.7% assist percentage ranked in the 85th percentile among big men, per Cleaning the Glass.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 58 | 39.7 | 82.7 | 5.2 | 2.6 | 15.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $4.9M
Braun, who's currently extension-eligible, is slated to become a restricted free agent in 2026, which will give the Nuggets plenty of leverage in negotiating a new deal. The 24-year-old is trending upward after logging career highs in every statistical category in 2024-25, including minutes played. He should fetch a deal similar to Jalen Suggs' five-year, $150-million agreement.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 66.3 | 17.6 | 52 | 12.2 | 2.4 | 11.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $4.9M
Expect Kessler to secure a lucrative, long-term deal as an RFA, though the Jazz appear lined up to do whatever it takes to keep the Auburn product in Utah. Kessler put up a double-double average with 2.4 blocks in 58 appearances last season and led the league with 4.6 offensive boards per game.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 46 | 40.9 | 73.3 | 4.1 | 4 | 17.6 |
2025-26 earnings: $10.1M
Ivey was in the midst of his best campaign when he sustained a season-ending leg injury. The Purdue product established new personal bests in scoring (17.6 points per contest), field-goal percentage (46%), and 3-point percentage (40.9%). His emergence as an efficient outside threat made him a cleaner fit alongside Cade Cunningham.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 45.8 | 34 | 83.1 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 16.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $9.2M
It appears that Mathurin won't sign a rookie-scale extension with the Pacers prior to the upcoming season, meaning the 23-year-old will reach RFA status next summer. Of course, this gives the Pacers the ability to match any offer for the Canadian wing, but a potential increased role in Tyrese Haliburton's absence could boost Mathurin's value on the open market.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 52.7 | 39.9 | 84.8 | 8.2 | 2 | 19 |
2025-26 earnings: $26.6M
Collins landed in L.A. via trade recently after posting 52.7/39.9/84.8 shooting splits in 40 games with the Jazz in 2024-25. His spacing ability makes him an ideal fit on the Clippers, who could have enough money coming off the books next summer to secure him to a lengthier deal as a free agent.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 48 | 40.6 | 86.5 | 2.7 | 4.2 | 18.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $19M
Sexton quietly put together three solid seasons with the Jazz, averaging 17.5 points and shooting 39.8% from deep across 189 appearances. He developed into a more efficient scorer during his tenure in Utah and can initiate the offense when needed. Sexton's 24.5% assist percentage last campaign ranked in the 97th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 44.4 | 37.3 | 71.7 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 21.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $30.7M
Make no mistakes about it, McCollum's acquisition from the Pelicans in the Jordan Poole trade wasn't about relying on the 33-year-old guard to become a vital cog in the Wizards' youth-oriented rebuild. McCollum is in D.C. more so as a cap solution than a long-term piece. His expiring deal and combo-guard resume could appeal to a team before the trade deadline.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 44.4 | 34.3 | 83.3 | 6.7 | 1.4 | 12.4 |
2025-26 earnings: $11.1M
Murray's development stalled, and arguably even regressed, in his third season, though the Kings' questionable roster decisions, a coaching change, and De'Aaron Fox's trade request would complicate matters for any 24-year-old. While the former fourth overall pick has shown flashes of considerable talent and has made strides as a defender, it remains unclear how dedicated Sacramento is to retaining Murray beyond the 2025-26 season.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 37.8 | 34.5 | 81 | 3.7 | 5.6 | 14.1 |
2025-26 earnings: $25M
VanVleet's numbers dipped across the board during the regular season, but he showed his value to the Rockets in the playoffs. The undrafted guard finished second on the team in scoring (18.7 points per contest) and drained 43.5% of his 3-point attempts during Houston's first-round series against the Warriors.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 42.6 | 36.3 | 90.2 | 2.7 | 4.8 | 19.3 |
2025-26 earnings: $27.7M
The Celtics are in a holding pattern as they await Jayson Tatum's return. As such, they've shed Porzingis' and Luke Kornet's contracts to get under the second apron for 2025-26. After acquiring Simons in the Jrue Holiday deal, Boston could consider moving him at the next deadline to shore up a flawed frontcourt. The Celtics giving Simons an extension seems unlikely.
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 45.2 | 31.1 | 78.5 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 18.5 |
2025-26 earnings: $8.4M
Abdominal surgery limited Sharpe to 32 games in the 2023-24 season, but the Canadian guard bounced back with a career-best 18.5 points per game in 72 contests (52 starts) this past campaign. The 21-year-old's scoring average ranked second on the Trail Blazers behind only Simons, who's now a Celtic. Although not the most efficient shooter, Sharpe is still expected to be Portland's starting 2-guard for years to come.